ID :
207642
Sat, 09/17/2011 - 07:43
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/207642
The shortlink copeid
MALAYSIA'S ETHNIC CHINESE BODY HAILS ISA REPEAL
KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) - The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia or popularly known as Huazong has hailed the decision by Prime Minister Najib Razak to repeal the Internal Security Act (ISA), saying it is a correct decision that complies with the current development in the country and the world.
Its president Pheng Yin Huah said the decision to repeal the ISA, together with the lifting of three proclamations of emergency and the review of the Printing Presses and Publications Act, reflects the determination of the Prime Minister through his Political Transformation Plan (PTP).
"This is very much People First, Performance Now. It reflects the Prime Minister's determination to make bold changes and reforms, particularly through various transformation plans," he told Bernama here on Friday.
He expressed hope that the government would continue with the transformation plan to include other acts such as the Official Secrets Act, Sedition Act, Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code and a review of the Police Act as a whole, and not just amend a section of the Police Act 1967.
"Apart from that, we also hope that the transformation would also continue with the review of the Universities and University Colleges Act (1971), so that the university students have greater freedom of political participation," he added.
Pheng said Huazong, as the main body for more than 3,000 Chinese
associations in the country, also hopes that the government would hold
discussions with the various stakeholders before enacting the Anti-Terrorist Act to replace the ISA.
"Huazong feels it would be good if the Government listens to the views of the people before they enact this law to replace the ISA. By doing so, the public would have the opportunity to forward their input," he said.
Meanwhile, the Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) which was vocal in fighting for press freedom, has welcomed the decision of the government to review the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
Its president Joniston Bangkuai said the decision is timely and
should be supported by the people especially media practitioners.
"This shows the system of democracy especially the freedom of the press is protected and flourishing. The community today is more mature in evaluating news published by the media.
"As an example, in Sabah, even though news of the government and opposition is equally featured in the front pages...the people were still siding with the government in the last general election...meaning the people are mature," he said.
Its president Pheng Yin Huah said the decision to repeal the ISA, together with the lifting of three proclamations of emergency and the review of the Printing Presses and Publications Act, reflects the determination of the Prime Minister through his Political Transformation Plan (PTP).
"This is very much People First, Performance Now. It reflects the Prime Minister's determination to make bold changes and reforms, particularly through various transformation plans," he told Bernama here on Friday.
He expressed hope that the government would continue with the transformation plan to include other acts such as the Official Secrets Act, Sedition Act, Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code and a review of the Police Act as a whole, and not just amend a section of the Police Act 1967.
"Apart from that, we also hope that the transformation would also continue with the review of the Universities and University Colleges Act (1971), so that the university students have greater freedom of political participation," he added.
Pheng said Huazong, as the main body for more than 3,000 Chinese
associations in the country, also hopes that the government would hold
discussions with the various stakeholders before enacting the Anti-Terrorist Act to replace the ISA.
"Huazong feels it would be good if the Government listens to the views of the people before they enact this law to replace the ISA. By doing so, the public would have the opportunity to forward their input," he said.
Meanwhile, the Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) which was vocal in fighting for press freedom, has welcomed the decision of the government to review the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
Its president Joniston Bangkuai said the decision is timely and
should be supported by the people especially media practitioners.
"This shows the system of democracy especially the freedom of the press is protected and flourishing. The community today is more mature in evaluating news published by the media.
"As an example, in Sabah, even though news of the government and opposition is equally featured in the front pages...the people were still siding with the government in the last general election...meaning the people are mature," he said.
